The Government’s Independent Commission on Freedom of Information received more than 30,000 submissions for its review of the act, which is due to be published in the New Year.

There are widespread concerns that the commission will seek to weaken the act. It is to consider introducing FoI fees, offering further protection to internal discussions and strengthening ministerial veto.

“I suspect my views on freedom of information depart from [those of] many of my colleagues,” he told The Times.

“But in summary, I am not in favour of any significant changes to it. The gap between the governing and the governed is already worryingly large and growing. We need more open government, not less.”

He added: “Of course FOI has a cost but the benefits far outweigh these. The public will draw their own conclusions about any attempt by politicians and officials to restrict their legitimate access to information.”